What is Saint Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick converted the Irish to Christianity. But St Patrick’s Day is said to be the day he died. I would have expected it to be the day he arrived in Ireland! It was – of course – a religious holiday, and still recognised today by the Catholic Church and others as a holy day, but society has changed. It’s become a big celebration.

Although it has been hijacked to a certain extent, today it’s more a celebration of the craic, and a chance for people to have a day off. Looking at things less critically, I can see how this national day for Ireland unites different cultures. It brings inclusion and gives a sense to foreigners that they belong to Ireland.

This is particularly noticeable to a Latin American living here. In some respects, there are areas of South America that are more inclusive – in my view – than many parts of Europe.

The beauty of it is that many of the people who were celebrating the day, who organised events or floats or exhibitions, were not actually Irish. There are many from overseas who feel that were having their own party, and they were as excited as any of the Irish people celebrating.